Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Hopperesque

People as Art : National Gallery of Art : Washington, D.C.

I'm posting Photo Friday early this week, since this Friday is a national holiday. I took this picture a couple of weeks ago when I was at the National Gallery of Art's East Building. Rather than taking pictures of the art, I decided to stretch myself a bit, use my surroundings, and create some art of my own. Having said that, let me throw in this disclaimer: I don't think my photography is all that spectacular and awe-inspiring. I do it as a creative outlet more than anything. I think some of it is good, but other than that, it's just pictures I'm taking. Nothing special.

Well, I'm starting to disabuse myself of that notion for three reasons. First, because the other day Bee and I went to Borders Books and I looked at the calendars that are already out for 2009, particularly the ones for D.C., and determined that some of my stuff is as good, if not better, than what's in some of those calendars. Second, I had someone inquire as to whether they could purchase one of my photos. And finally, because a very good friend and artist contacted me and asked if she could paint one of my pictures. Specifically, the picture I'm featuring as today's Photo Friday. I was flattered, but it didn't end there. She compared my photo to Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, which just blew me away! Wow.

A huge thanks everyone who kicks my stubborn butt up around my ears and helps me think maybe my stuff ain't too shabby after all!

MWAH!

12 comments:

Cele said...

I loved the layers of this photo. The cascading walls, the exact but unstudied space and indifference between the two occupants (American buffers of personal space,) the colors. awesome.

lacochran said...

This one is Hopperesque! :)

You could totally have a photography show. Consider putting together a portfolio and taking it to some galleries.

Anonymous said...

OMG, Hopper meets American Gothic? You really do have talent, Tewkes. There are so many of your photos that struck me as more than photos. they are like holograms in the Harry Potter books where memories stir and live.

- Phoebe

Janet Kincaid said...

And now, this just in: I've been contacted by the National Capital Planning Commission and asked if they can use a photo of mine in their annual planning report!

I think I need to start charging for this stuff....

Help! I don't know what to do in terms of what to charge or how to setup my stuff for consumption.

J.M. Tewkesbury said...

Cele: I loved taking this picture! I was actually drawn to the older woman. It always thrills me when I see people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s in museums and theaters! I hope I'm still enjoying stuff like that when I'm that age.


Lacochran: I probably should. I need to stop being a ninny (or a passive-aggressive martyr, you pick) and start seeing my stuff the way others see it: worthy of being seen by even more others! :-D


Phoebe: I guess I want my photos to either evoke emotion or tell a story. I guess I need to admit that my stuff does that and start doing something with it. As it is right now, it just sits in files on my computer and external hard drive or is featured on my photography blog.

Wicked H said...

Look at you, the public wants your photos!!!

Very impressive.

Anonymous said...

Yes, very Hopperesque! I love it.

Mary Ellen said...

Awesome news! I can see it now: the Calendar of Tewkesbury, containing your best shots from D.C. and everyday life.

Why not set up a shop somewhere like Etsy or Cafe Press? (Or at least check out their pricing structure).

J.M. Tewkesbury said...

Wicked: Thanks. I'm impressed to. I mean, who'da thunk it?


Liz: Thanks!


ME: You're the second person to mention Esty. I'll have to check it out. I've been thinking of doing a calendar.

Overall, I want to keep this pretty simple and straight forward by finding vendors that will do most of the heavy lifting while I just provide the pictures. Esty, CafePress (which I hadn't thought of but also a good idea) and Image Kind seem like good options. I'll keep exploring...

Anonymous said...

It is a VERY cool photo.

Janet Kincaid said...

Holly: Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Wow, good for you! Your photos ARE terrific -- and I think I sense a 2nd freelance career....